Day five dawned with a heavy yet hopeful air. Alex and his comrades were preparing to leave the bustling downtown area, their hearts weighted with the gravity of the journey ahead. Grand Lily, the village elder and wise alchemist who had tended to Alex's wounds and guided him with her vast knowledge, called them aside. Her eyes gleamed with a mixture of pride and solemnity as she revealed the final piece of the puzzle Alex needed—something that could tip the balance of power in their favor.
From a small wooden chest, Grand Lily carefully extracted a tome bound in celestial blue leather, its cover shimmering with a faint ethereal glow. "This," she began, voice thick with emotion, "is the Holy Celestial Grimoire. It is not just any book of spells, but a legendary artifact believed to contain the essence of all sorcery attributes combined. Over the centuries, countless souls have clashed in deadly battles, desperate to claim its power. Many never returned."
Alex's eyes widened in awe as he reverently accepted the grimoire. He traced the intricate designs etched into its cover with his fingertips, feeling a surge of energy ripple beneath his skin. "I promise, Grand Lily," he said, his voice steady with resolve, "I will master this grimoire and unlock its full potential. I will use its power to protect those who cannot defend themselves and to ensure that no more innocent lives are lost to the abominations."
A warm smile spread across Grand Lily's face, her heart swelling with relief. After years of searching and fighting, she felt the weight of her quest lifting. "I knew you were the one," she whispered, her eyes moist with tears. "May this grimoire guide you and keep you safe."
With that, the trio turned to leave. "Goodbye, Grand Lily," Alex and his comrades chorused in unison, waving to the elder and the villagers who had gathered to witness their departure.
The villagers' farewell echoed like thunder across the valley, a powerful chorus of gratitude and hope. Hands waved vigorously, some villagers' faces streaked with tears, reluctant to let go of their heroes. The air was thick with emotion, a bittersweet mixture of pride, sorrow, and anticipation.
Alex's lips curved into a broad smile as he leaned casually on Zeke's shoulder like a playful cat, the lightness of the moment easing the burden of the past weeks. "Look at them," he murmured softly, "they believe in us."
Zeke chuckled, nudging him. "Don't get too comfortable, Alex. We still have a long road ahead."
The group finally set out, stepping into the world beyond the village with renewed purpose. The continent, once a vast land divided into four major regions—the city of Lutia, Halo on Heaven, Land of Sovereignty, and Optimus—had shattered over time into countless smaller regions. Each region operated under a confederal system, exchanging aid and resources for mutual benefits. Among these regions was Armburg, the city where Alex had spent much of his life. Despite the abominations' devastating assault that wiped out much of the population, Armburg and others maintained their sovereignty, each clinging to identity and governance amid chaos.
As Alex and his comrades approached Armburg, the familiar skyline appeared in the distance. The city's walls bore the marks of recent battles, but signs of recovery were evident—repaired buildings, renewed marketplaces, and hopeful faces. Upon their arrival, a sharp knock echoed against the wooden door of Alex's home.
"Who's there? I'm coming," Alex called, his voice steady despite the lingering fatigue.
A firm voice answered, "I'm a messenger from the Hunter Corps base. The generals in the East region have requested your immediate presence."
Alex exchanged glances with Seraphina and Zeke. The urgency in the messenger's tone left no room for hesitation. Whatever awaited them at the Hunter Corps base would be no ordinary summons. They steeled themselves for whatever lay ahead, ready to face the next chapter of their journey.
Alex opened the door, his heart pounding in his chest as the familiar weight of duty settled upon his shoulders once again. The sight before him was unexpected—and yet, not unfamiliar. Standing tall, with a demeanor far beyond his years, was Noah Diego—a youth only sixteen or seventeen, yet exuding an authority that made him seem much older. Roughly five to six feet tall, Noah's sharp gaze sliced through the air like a blade.
Alex and his comrades exchanged surprised glances, their voices ringing out in unison, "What!"
Noah's mind churned with contempt as he observed the group. "What is this? Noobs? Pathetic. I can't believe these are the ones I'm tasked to summon—especially that brat, Alex Morgan." His expression darkened, lips curling into a sneer. "What a joke." Without warning, he spat on the ground, the disdain tangible.
The bitterness between Alex and Noah ran deep. Back when Alex was still at the orphanage, Noah's animosity had been fierce—rooted in nothing more than jealousy and a grudge over Alex's proximity to Miss Mary's grave, a connection Noah could never understand, yet used as a weapon to exert his iron fist. That harshness had left scars, but Alex had grown stronger from it.
Noticing the hostility etched into Noah's face, Alex felt a spark of mischief ignite. Here's my chance to deal with this hotheaded senior, he mused, a sly grin creeping across his face. Without hesitation, he spoke aloud, "Oh wait, I just remembered—I have something important to take care of." And with that, he hurried away, pretending to have urgent business to escape Noah's presence.
"No!" Noah barked, his frustration cracking his voice. He wasn't ready to let Alex slip away. Yet, as his eyes fell on Seraphina, standing tall and graceful beside Alex's comrades, his anger cooled just enough. Not wanting to appear arrogant or dismissive in front of her, he forced a tight smile. "Well… don't take too long."
Seraphina and Zeke exchanged knowing glances, their faint smiles betraying their awareness of Alex's ploy. Meanwhile, Noah, blinded by self-importance, misread Seraphina's faint smile as a sign of personal favor directed at him. The delusion filled him with unwarranted confidence.